Free scaffold quotations and site visits
This question has no definitive answer because it all depends on several factors. Some projects may require scaffolding to stay up for years, while others need it for just a few days. However, there is no legal time limit for a scaffold structure to stay up in London or the UK. If a qualified scaffolder inspects the scaffolding weekly and a scafftag is completed, confirming it is safe and secure, the scaffold can be up as long as needed. According to the rules and regulations, scaffolding can be left up for as long as required; however, there must be a reasonable explanation for leaving it standing for safety reasons.
Type of scaffold: Different scaffolds have various lifespans. Compared to an aluminium tower, a steel scaffold is the most durable and can stay up for several months or even years.
Weather conditions: Constant exposure to harsh weather conditions like high winds, heavy rain and snow can significantly reduce the lifespan of a scaffold. However, this is not that common.
Purpose of the scaffolding: If the scaffold is required for a long-term project, then the hire period will be lengthy, whereas, for a short-term project, the dismantle time will be a lot sooner.
Maintenance: As already explained, if you have a long-standing scaffold, then 7-day scaffolding inspections are necessary, especially if there have been alterations or adverse weather.
There can be other limitations for leaving scaffolding standing, such as if they are to be erected on a London pavement or highway. This is where you need to arrange for a licence from the local borough council, which is applied for by the scaffolding company, who will meet a highways management team on-site to go through the application. On the application, you must be specific on the timescales for which the scaffold will be required, as this is chargeable per month per street. However, this can be extended and completed before the original licence expires. Different boroughs may have different licence rules, so it is best to double-check what they require.
When the scaffold is inspected every seven days, it must be checked that it has maintained structural integrity and is still safe for users and anyone near it. Any repairs or replacements identified during the inspection must be completed before the scaffold is used again to avoid accidents. The scaffolding company or scaffold site foreman is responsible for ensuring the working area is safe for employees, users, and the public.
Depending on where your scaffolding will be erected in London, there may be restrictions on erection and dismantling times during specific periods of the week, as this is classed as “noisy work.” These restricted times may vary, as each London borough may have particular guidelines; however, below are typical times when scaffolding can be put up and taken down:
Ensure you plan and consider these restrictions, which could delay your project, and additional scaffold hire fees may apply.
To work outside of these times, you need to demonstrate that there is a critical health and safety, traffic management or engineering issue that makes it necessary, like falling debris from a building in a public area or shoring up a building that has been damaged by an accident on a highway.
Did you know there is a legal notice stating that S169 of the Highways Act 1980 makes it an offence not to comply with the above terms of a licence?
Now that you know that scaffolds in London can be left standing without specific time restrictions, why not let us advise you on your project and provide a scaffold hire solution to suit your needs? We understand from experience all of the limitations of erecting scaffolding in London. Contact a member of our scaffold team today for more information.
